Mac helped Stella pack up her belongings in the hospital. He needed her help, since she didn't even remember half the things she had with her. It was mind-boggling how Stella could remember how to talk, and walk, what a bed was, how she could communicate, and simple actions any person could do. She knew the basic things in life: her clothes, hair ties, watch and such. But he was so amused at the way she looked at certain things and how they work. Stella held up her cellphone and looked at it with great depth and confusion. She checked every corner, rubbing the buttons, feeling the smooth metal cover..

"That's a cellphone, Stella." Mac said with a smile.

With that, the cellphone's screen came to life, the bright light shocked Stella at first.

"Oh, that thing you can use to call people with, right? With a number?" Stella said, quite excited.

Mac was happy seeing her so vibrant and alive. But he couldn't relieve the pain about how Stella was like a totally different person. She was just recovering basic mechanical and every day actions, how would she be able to remember their past?

"Mac?" Stella said, interrupting his thought.

"Oh," he stuttered, "uh...hey, Stella, you finish packing?" he asked.

"Yeah, but the nurse said that I still have to sign some papers. I'll meet you out front?" she asked.

"Sure," he replied, "I'll just grab my coat," he replied.

Stella waltzed out the door and was already out of his sight. He reached for his coat hanging off the arm of a chair when he noticed a small, blue, plastic bag. He picked it up and found a ring, a polive badge, and a wallet, all belonging to Stella. The wallet was still full of cash and pictures of the both of them. Joyful pictures, pictures of their wedding and several occasions where they were together.

These are her real personal belongings...Mac thought. Would it be safe if I gave them to her now? Mac thought about how Stella just barely got around trusting him, let alone being able to take care of her. He was unsure of what these might stir up in Stella's past, if it might bring back an unpleasant memory. He kept the bag in the inner pocket of his coat, and thought it was best to wait a little longer before revealing these items' true meaning to Stella.

-

Mac looked over to see Stella's gleeful smile as he drove through New York City. The sun was shining bright and it was quiet; just the sound of honking cars and Michael Buble's Haven't Met You Yet echoed throug the silence. That was exactly what was going on, he just hasn't met her yet. He knew that the Stella he loved anc cherished was inside somewhere. He hoped that one day, she would snap out of this forgetful bliss and everything would be the same. No matter how long it might take, how much effort would have to go in, he would dedicate his entire life in bringing back the Stella Bonasera Taylor he knew before. Right now, it was back to square one.

"This is a really pretty city, where are we?" Stella asked.

"This is New York City. The largest city in the entire country. Although it's quite busy, I must say, isn't it?" Mac said.

"Yeah," she sighed, "but it's OK, I like the busy." Stella mentioned softly.

Mac smiled. Stella was the big ciy girl. He remembers her talking about how her life would be so differen if she had lived somewhere else. New York was her true home and despire what had happened, it still might be.

They didn't talk much as Mac drove. He let Stella gaze out the window at the magnificent sights the city had to offer. She looked mesmerized as her eyes followed the tips of the stately sky-scrapers. They look on her face showed how naive Stella was to this enormous city. Soon, Mac arrived at the apartment building and drove into the car garage.

"Where are we going?" Stella asked, her voice raising a tad big higher.

"This is my apartment building. Remember what the doctor said, about how it would be best if someone would care for you the first few days you get back." he said while getting out of the car.

"And why did he say I'd go with you, again?" Stella asked, raising her eyebrows.

Mac sighed. It seemed as if the idea of him being Stella's caretaker wasn't going to be a smooth transition as he thought it would be. He still had to figure out a way to fully gain Stella's trust, as a caretaker and as a friend. She obviously couldn't accept the fact that a random stranger was suddenly going to take care of her, and he understood that.

"Stella, I was there when you were shot. You might not remember me, but I saw you. I called for the ambulance, the crew that was out there investigating turned their attention towards you. Because of that, I wanted to help you. Just like any person who needs help needs an assistant, a caretaker. I'll be that person for you, to help you adjust safe and soundly," he tried to say convincingly.

"And you promise to bring back those memories from before, like you said?" she asked.

"I promise," Mac said.

Stella looked down at her feet and thought about Mac. Should she trust him?

"Wel, if you are going to help me, why should I say No?" she asked, with a smile growing on her lips.

Mac smiled and chuckled, and gave Stella a friendly embrace.

-

"So this is your place, huh?" Stella said, while cautiously taking her steps inside.

"Yup," he replied, "small, but good enough to suffice." Mac said.

"I see..." she said, "kinda reminds me of my place, a litle bit," Stella said, while setting down her suitcase.

"You remember how your apartment looks?" Mac asked.

"Yeah, quite vividly, actually. It was about this size...one room on that corner, living room was the right sie, no home phone, I remember! Just that small cellphone, and I don't know, it seems that I haven't been home in forever." Stella said while drifting away in thought.

You are home, Stella! Mac had the urge to say. He was grateful that at least, she still remembered what home was.

"Oh, and Mac, you don't mind if I go out for a few? Sight-see for a little bit?" Stella asked.

"Not in your condition!" Mac said forcefully.

Stella just frowned.

Mac smiled, "How about i take you, show you some of the best parts in town?" he said.

It took a while for the idea to sink into Stella's head, but in the end, it wasn't at all too bad.

"Sure, let's go!" she eagerly replied.